Another Link in the Chain is a
unique program that continues to form bonds and relationships between
generations of U.S. Naval Academy Alumni. The events bring together classes
with a 50-year bond and demonstrate the tradition of respect and concern that
exists among Naval Academy graduates. Through this program, midshipmen are
reminded that they are part of a bigger, extended brigade made up of more than
50,000 living graduates. The
midshipmen are buoyed and encouraged by the physical presence and moral support
of the senior Alumni. They also are able to meet and hear from accomplished
individuals of the senior class whose inspirational words leave a lasting
impact.
In 2000, a new
tradition was initiated when the Class of 1950, in celebration of their 50th
anniversary of graduation, personally presented gold Ensign/2nd Lt
bars inscribed ’50-’00 to the newly commissioned officers of the Class of
2000. Many events have been added to begin with a welcome to incoming
plebes.
The effect on Alumni is equally positive. “Our participation in these
events is a rare privilege. Every minute we spend with these great young people
is a treasure,” declared Colonel Bill Hamel ’57 “Link” coordinator to his
classmates.
Below is a listing of
events. All events are subject to change due to desires of current
Superintendent/Commandant. This Program has been a work in progress with events
modified and changed.
4/C Plebe Year
1.Induction Day Welcome
Aboard Picnic for Parents and families
of plebes on Worden Field. I Day
will be held on 1 July 2009. The
Class of 1963 (classmates and
spouses or guests): is invited to attend the morning picnic, share stories of
1959 I Day, and offer support and fellowship to the families of the new
midshipmen just arriving. This
event provides a wonderful opportunity for classmates to get to know family
members of the incoming 2013 class.
A banner (provided by USNA AA and given as a gift to the Class) and a
separate table is set aside to present the 1963 class and the attendees are introduced by the CEO. The Class participation/sponsorship
will be highlighted on the USNA AA website in Trident.
The history of the 1963
Class is highlighted in 2013 Reef Points.
During the afternoon prior
to the Tecumseh Court Ceremony, 63 classmates will meet in Memorial Hall to
reaffirm our oath and honor our classmates who died in the line of duty.
2. Induction Day Oath of Office Ceremony: At
1800 on 1 July 2009 at Tecumseh Court. Inclement weather alternative is Halsey Field House. Classmates desiring to attend will be
seated in Superintendent or Commandants’ VIP sections. Invitations are issued
to attendees for a reception in the Superintendent’s residence prior to the
swearing in ceremony, list required for invitations. Following the ceremony,
classmates and families meet with midshipmen who are unaccompanied by family
members to congratulate them and support them .
3 .Parade during Summer
Training: Several weeks into Plebe training, an invitation has been
offered by the Commandant for a member of the Class of 1963 to be the official reviewing
official of the parade. A limited
number of classmates will be asked to attend this parade and a following
reception (approximately 15 couples).
4. Reaffirmation Day
Parade and Ceremony: Occurs on the Saturday of Plebe Parents’ Weekend at the end of Plebe Summer. Plebes will “reaffirm” their Oath of
Office and reaffirm their commitment to the Honor Concept and Honor Treatise.
The ceremony (in Alumni
Hall) marks a transition from a “learning” phase to “living” phase of honor
concept. The midshipmen are given
a 1963-2013 Honor Coin to be a physical reminder to values they are
affirming.
Ceremony includes addresses
by Superintendent, Regimental Honors Chair; the 1963 Class President and a 1963
class representative who addresses the issues of honor, courage, commitment and quality.
Members of the Class will be guests of the Commandant’s
office.
5. 4/C Regimental Dinner – “Formal Mess”, Held in the evening on or near the last day of Plebe
Summer; this special dinner allows plebes to demonstrate their understanding of
proper dining etiquette, while experiencing a time-honored naval tradition. A
keynote speaker is provided by the 1963 class.
6. Sea Trials Challenge
Sea Trials and the former
plebe recognition week are not a
part of ALITC.
Herndon Climb: A limited number of 1963 couples may be
invited to attend this event in VIP seating. Viewing is open to all with the general public.
3/C Youngster Year
1. YP Pass in Review: (Summer
2010) Each 3/C Midshipman
participates in a YP Cruise. At
the end of each block of cruises, YPs pass in review in a ceremony that marks
the midshipmen’s “right of passage” to become youngsters for having seen the
Chapel Dome on Youngster Cruise.
Members of the 1963 Class may be invited to watch as the YPs make the
final approach. This program is under review as the Superintendent is
looking to expand fleet cruises.
2. Participation in RING program:
In 2003, the USNA AA took
over the coordination of the USNA Ring program to assist midshipmen from
creation of an initial design (in 3C year) to production, and ordering. Joining the ring program with “Another Link in the Chain”
will ensure that the ring tradition continues its rich history for many years.
During the past
few senior classes began donating rings/miniatures for eventual melting in a
“Bonds of Gold” ceremony held in Memorial Hall in April. This event has proven
to be an emotional and memorable event as a short biography of each donor is
presented with both the class representatives and selected midshipmen
attending.
3. 3/C Youngster Picnic “Luau”. May 2011 (during graduation
week). At the end of 3/C year, the
entire Class meets on Hospital Point for an informal picnic to celebrate being
halfway through the Naval Academy Program. The 1963 class is invited to join in the festivities.
2/C Year
1.
2/C Commitment Dinner – This dinner
is held in Alumni Hall, typically on Monday evening, the night before the first
day of Fall classes in August 2011.
Members of the 2/C will make their commitment to the Naval Academy for
the final two years. During the
dinner, midshipmen will stand and reaffirm their obligation to the naval
service and the USNA Honor Concept.
Representatives and guests of the Class of 1963 will sit amongst the
midshipmen at their tables. A formal invitation is sent by the Commandant, so a
list of attendees is needed in advance.
1a. A Ring ceremony dinner
is held in April 2012 where the midshipmen receive their rings. A speaker and
an unlimited 1963 class are permitted. This event may take a different
format based on the Executive Department and the class.
1/C Year – Graduation
1. Battalion Receptions: Late Jan – mid March: There
are approximately six Battalion receptions held at the Alumni House which offer an opportunity for first
class midshipmen (by battalion) to meet and greet classmates and spouses from
the senior class and the USNA AA staff.
They are typically mid-week from 6-8 pm. These receptions will acquaint midshipmen with their Alumni
House as well as pass on information about the Alumni Association and build the
bond between the 1963-2013 year classes. This event allows for a more relaxed
atmosphere to mix and mingle with the graduating class.
2. First Class Parent’s Picnic: (Held the week of Graduation)
Opportunity for 1963
classmates to meet and greet parents and families of 1C graduates. The first class picnic is held on
Forrest Sherman Field – Hospital Point at USNA. Approximately 2000 midshipmen, parents, family and
friends will attend. The menu
includes hotdogs, hamburgers, chips, fruit and cookies catered by the Naval
Academy’s Officer and Faculty Club.
The 1963 Class will have a special table set up with their banner. Classmates are asked to introduce
themselves and mingle with the midshipmen and their families. In case of rain, location is Halsey
Field House. There also exists the possibility of Reception in Alumni Hall in
place of the picnic.
3. Color Parade: (Thursday, the day before graduation). A limited number of members
of the 1963 Class and their spouses or guests who indicate they would like to
attend will receive an invitation.
The parade typically begins at 11:00 AM on Worden Field. One company will be singled out as the
best overall in performance from among 30 companies. Assisting in the traditional transfer of colors from last
year’s winner will be the Color Company Honoree.
4. Graduation Brief – Wednesday, the week before graduation; there is an
opportunity to introduce those who will personally hand out bars to graduating
class. CEO, USNA AA introduces
members of the 1963 class who will be presenters.The Class President will give
brief remarks about their backgrounds.
5. Graduation/Commencement: Navy- Marine Memorial Corps Stadium) Up to 25 classmates and
spouses who indicate they would like to attend will receive an invitation to
sit in VIP seating on the grounds at Navy/Marine Corps Stadium. Previously, selected representatives
from the 1963 class will personally present gold ENS/2nd LT bars
engraved (1963-2013) Invitations
will include security and parking pass.
Note: In the event of inclement weather
and graduation is held in Alumni Hall, only the representatives presenting bars and their guests (spouses) will be able to attend due to number of parents,
etc.
6. Delayed Graduation: August
and December (TBD) While the
scaled-down graduation will be held at Mahan Hall or Memorial Hall, the six to
ten midshipmen will receive the gold Ensign/2nd Lieutenant
bars.
Members of the Class of 1963
willing to participate in “Another Link in the Chain”,
Please contact:
Ron Klemick
Spence Johnson
rklemick@bellsouth.net
wsjohnson63@gmail.com
910-270-9171
410-626-7934